A great time to consider staffing for your business is once it is off the ground (or maybe even a little bit before). Staffing is not only about the people who will make up your team, it also involves the methods and practices that get you where you need to go. 

A great staff can be the difference between a thriving, enjoyable working environment or a toxic, unproductive one. Keep reading to see how you can build the perfect team for your business.

Consider the Type of People You Need

Start by identifying the current needs of your small business. Are you struggling with keeping up with accounting? Are you swamped with reviewing legal documents? Who are the people and what are the groups that your business needs? An expert on supply chain? A dreamer of fresh social media ideas? A marketing team to increase brand awareness? Take a look around and note what skills and expertise your business would benefit from. After you have your list of needs, the next step is to prioritize them.

Realistically, you won’t be able to hire all the team members you need immediately, so it’s wise to fill the spots that are most in need first. Hiring a solid and effective team is clearly important. LegalZing has services to help you build a dynamic team to meet your needs.

HR Do’s and Don’ts

Your hiring process should be extensive. Make sure you cross your T’s and dot your I’s when it comes to choosing the right people for the job. This isn’t something you want to cut corners on. Below are some quick do’s and don’ts when it comes to hiring staff. 

• • • Never discriminate. Not only is it just plain wrong, it’s illegal. 
    • Avoid asking anything too personal during the interview process. Questions should be focused around job responsibilities and the employee’s compatibility with the position and the company.
    • Be sure to complete drug tests and background checks. This should never just be something you neglect to follow through with all the way.
    • Be sure to provide a written document of standard business policies and practices that you expect all employees to abide by. Get a signed agreement.
    • Don’t hire just anyone that comes along. Take your time and hire the right person for the position.

Cost of Hiring Full-Time

Hiring full-time employees who work 40 or more hours a week can be very costly. In addition to paying their salary, you will be required to provide all full-time employees competitive benefits, paid time off, health insurance, Social Security, retirement plan options, disability insurance, and more. These compensation packages can be tricky for startup businesses to handle.

If hiring full-time employees is a bit of a stretch for your current budget, consider your other options: part-time employees, contractors and freelancers.

All employees working fewer than 40 hours per week are considered part-time employees. These part-time workers are eligible to receive benefits if an employer offers them. However, employers are not required to offer health insurance to part-time employees. To help attract part-time employees, figure out what benefits you are willing to offer like tips, fixed amount of paid time off and discounts. 

Another great option for startup businesses is hiring out contractors and freelancers. Contractors and freelancers often have their own private insurance, and manage  their own retirement plans and other benefits based on their needs so the employer is not required to offer them benefits. They can be located in your office or operate remotely. This can be especially beneficial considering that you are able to have a larger pool of talent to choose from to get the job done.

Success Within Your Team

Excellent teamwork doesn’t happen out of nowhere. It requires a lot of effort from the leader and all individuals who make up the team. A cohesive team consists of different  elements happening simultaneously:

• • • Clear Communication – This is key. Without good communication, a team is likely to fail or have a toxic working environment. Put systems in place on how the team can communicate ideas, issues, questions and concerns. It’s important for your team to feel heard and understood.
    • Specific goals – Each team member must know and understand the importance of their specific job inside of a bigger picture. It’s important for employees to have a clear direction on what their job is and be able to see how they are contributing to the main goal/mission of the company.
    • Distinguished roles – Everyone on the team must be aware of the organizational structure and their responsibility within it.
    • Individual Development – Even when focusing on the team as a whole, individual development within the team is still important. Think of ways that individuals can voice their opinions and ideas. Also, be ready to train and develop individual employees.

Pro Tip:  Building an effective team takes time. Be patient, prepared and thorough in this process.

Once you hire an effective team, it will free up some of your time day to day so that you can focus on management aspects of running a successful startup business. Need help with some of these managerial tasks? LegalZing is here with virtual accountants, virtual assistants and website management at the ready. Our team can help you manage your inbox, help with finances and everything in between. We would love to be a part of your team and help your business grow.